JERSEY BOYS Movie Review

Clint Eastwood has brought us some absolute classics, Million Dollar Baby and Gran Torinoto name but a few. On the 20th of June Jersey Boys will be released to cinemas around the country. Giving us the origin of one of the most influential bands in the world. Frankie Valli, Tommy Devito, Nicky Massi and Bobby Gaudio were the Four Seasons. A band that has touched the hearts of many generations of listeners. I myself didn’t realize it but I have heard so many of these songs as the soundtrack to many movies that I loved when I was a child. I didn’t know much going in to Jersey Boys, I hoped that when I came out I would know something that would stick with me.

Jersey Boys tells the story of the formation of an iconic group, who had such timeless hits as “Big Girls Don’t Cry”, “Working My Way Back To You”, and the effortless iconic “December, 1963 (Oh, What a Night)“. We see their trials and tribulations though one thing you’ll take away from Jersey Boys is that Tommy Devito seemed to pretty much cause every issue in the Four Seasons. Between his money lending, gambling, bad investments and partying, he systematically ruins the band, but as the tag line of the movie states “Everybody remembers it how they need to”, this is where the most interesting element of the movie comes into play. We see the story unfold through the eyes of every member of the Four Seasons and it is genuinely interesting. Every character was memorable, the story was a lot of fun, but what really sold me was the music. Each member of the group was wonderfully cast. John Llyod Young was fantastic as Frankie Valli, you watched him grow from this uncertain teenager trying to find his way into a flawed man again trying to do what’s best for the people he loves even when they are jerks to him. My favourite casting had to be Erich Bergen as Bobby Gaudio, effortlessly charming and full of energy. The whole cast was really just top notch, Mike Doyle, Joey Russo and Christopher Walken round out a great supporting cast.

These guys, these guys.

If I had to point out some flaws I would have to say that it is your usual biopic movie. You know the beats, you’ve seen the story done a million slightly different ways. The clichéd wife who pushes the singer at first but then randomly gets upset when he’s not around is there, the close friend who is really the singers worst enemy is there and if I had to be honest it’s a little too sentimental at times. Luckily this is saved by a great soundtrack and some great acting. Also it’s a long movie, but if you’re like me and you enjoyed it the time will fly. After coming out of Jersey Boys I was genuinely tapping my toes and humming those unforgettable songs. It’s the season of biopics, Grace Of Monaco, Belleand now Jersey Boys. If you’re looking for a good time with friends with enjoyable music and some great acting look no further than Jersey Boys.

Superman enthusiast, pop culture fan and film journalist. Creator of podcast Speakin' Geek and contributor to Scannain.com, iRadio and Spin 103.8. I love talking about anything and everything(except country music, I hate country music). My views are my own and I would love to discuss them with you.